Travel, lodging info for Tioman Island, Malaysia

THE BEST WAY TO TIOMAN ISLAND

From LAX to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, connecting service (change of plane) is offered on China Eastern, Thai, China, Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Singapore. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $750.

From LAX to Singapore, direct service (stop, no change of plane) is offered on Singapore and connecting service is offered on All Nippon, Delta, United, Korean and Asiana. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $711.

Berjaya Air, https://www.berjaya-air.com, flies from Kuala Lumpur (Subang Airport) and Singapore (Changi Airport Budget Terminal) to the village of Tekek on Tioman Island. Fares from Kuala Lumpur begin about $70 round trip and about $125 from Singapore.

Fast ferries run between the town of Mersing on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula and Tioman Island. The trip takes about 90 minutes and costs about $25 one way. Schedules vary with season and weather. For more information see https://www.malaysiasite.nl/transporttiomaneng.htm.

Water taxis operate on Tioman, but there is no set schedule. Resorts can book transportation around the island, as well as to and from the airport at Tekek.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 60 (country code for Malaysia), and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Bagus Place Retreat, no phone, https://www.bagusplace.com, is a castaway little spot with six delightful chalets underneath Twin Peaks on the south side of the island; no air-conditioning or credit cards; rates from $270 for two people, including all meals, activities, airport transfer and accommodations.

Japamala, 9-419-7777, https://www.japamalaresorts.com, is a luxury boutique hotel on the southwest coast of the island, part of the Relais & Châteaux group. Its chicly designed sea cliff, treetop and jungle villas are priced from $125 to $560, including breakfast, and the resort is open year-round.

Melina Beach Resort, 9-419-7080, https://www.tioman-melinabeach.com, is a rustic resort with chalets and rooms (including a beachfront treehouse and three new jungle canopy suites) on the west coast of Tioman between the villages of Paya and Genting. It has a beach, protected swimming area and excellent coral reef. Accommodations range from $70 to $160 for two people in June, July and August and from $60 to $145 in March, April, May, September and October; no credit cards. Rates include breakfast and a boat transfer from the nearby village of Paya (a Mersing ferry stop).

WHERE TO EAT

You can walk between the villages of Paya and Genting, where waterfront cafes and Chinese restaurants abound. But most people dine in the resort where they’re staying.

TO LEARN MORE

Tourism, Malaysia, https://www.tourismmalaysiausa.com